Verse 17

Translation

May the jingling of Sri Râdhâraman¹ Sri Krishna’s gem-studded anklets, that is more delightful than the cooing of the swans wandering in the lotus-forest of Kâlindi, be revealed in my heart.17.

otus forests adorn the banks of the Yamunâ. Therein lies the captivating Ashok–kunja. Taking the cue from Sri Krishna, Sri Râdhâ has reached that secluded Ashok-kunja. Sri Krishna has met Priyâji in that confidential flower–grove. Sri Sri Râdhâ–Mâdhav have started their rasa-vilâs very eagerly. In the form of a sakhi, Sri Lilâshuk has reached the vicinity of Ashok– kunja along with other sakhis. He could hear the fascinating music of Sri Râdhâ–Mâdhav’s anklets caused due to their confidential pastimes. Since the sound has risen from the divine feet during the course of their love-sport – it is more enthralling. On hearing this sound, Sri Lilâshuk, who is standing outside the kunja with other sakhis of his group, is composing this verse with great longing in his heart.

Viparit vilâs – The climax of love

This verse indicates ‘viparit vilâs’ (when the lovers exchange their positions). It is of two types – (a) performed knowingly out of curiosity (b) so engrossed in love-making that the Divine couple loses all sense of difference between each other.

The second one is the zenith of Sri Sri Râdhâ-Krishna’s love-dalliance. It is called ‘Prem-vilâs-vivarta’. In this, Sri Sri Râdhâ-Krishna lose all sense of difference –

“nâ so ramana nâ ham ramani,

duhun mana manobhâb pesholo jâni”.

Meaning:- “Neither is He the lover, nor am I the beloved, our hearts have become one”.

The point is that, at the zenith of love, Sri Râdhâ–Mâdhav have a very great desire to make each other happy. So when they become totally engrossed in love–sport, their hearts become one. When the feelings are separated, there exists the sense of the lover and the beloved. When love climaxes, the differences disappear and one is not aware so as to who is the lover and who is the beloved. What exists is only engrossment in the dalliance. The insatiable desire for love-sport–dalliance makes this engrossment the very deepest. At that moment Sri Sri Râdhâ – Mâdhav express maximum sweetness. In this condition the jingling of their ornaments such as anklets, sound extremely nectarine to the sakhi–manjaris.